Courtesy of the Ripa HotelRome is a great city for walking. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to just wander and let yourself get lost! Today, we would like to present the first part of our new series featuring one of the most interesting walking tours in Rome. The first stop is the Piazza Sidney Sonnino. Once you visit this square, we provide you with the directions to the next stop that is the Chiesa Di San Giovanni Dei Genovesi, and so on… Have a nice walk!

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FIRST STOP:

PIAZZA SIDNEY SONNINO

In honor of the Italian minister of foreign affairs Turing World War I, the Piazza Sidney Sonnino contains several features. Visit the Piazza G. G. Belli which is a few hundred feet towards the north. Also nearby is the Torre degli Anguillara along with the church of St. Agatha on the southern edge. Finally, built during the 500’s, the Church of San Crisogono contains mosaics and a fabulous stonework which are worth the visit.

Nearby the southernmost expanses of these connected squares, cross the Viale di Trastevere and head southeast towards a collection of narrow alleyways. We suggest that you ask for some help for the Via dei Genovesi since street signs in this maze of piazzas may be difficult to find. Walking along Via dei Genovesi, traverse Via della Luce, and then turn right onto Via Anicia. In addition, at Via Anicia 12, on the west side of the street, you will see the simple but dignified walls of the:

SECOND STOP:

CHIESA DI SAN GIOVANNI DEI GENOVESI

Genoan sailors built this church during the 1400’s along with a garden across the street which may be difficult to visit according to the whim of the gatekeeper.

If you notice across the Via Anicia, you will see the forbidden walls with ancient masonry of the:

THIRD STOP:

SANTA CECILIA IN TRASTEVERE

The entrance is located when you continue to walk another block southeast of the via dei Genovesi. Afterwards, make a right onto the Via Santa Cecilia which then merges onto the Piazza dei Mercanti. Do not miss the frecoes by Cavallini at the Santa Cecilia (viewing hours 10:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.) Legend says that this was the site of Saint Cecilia’s palace. The church is much easier to visit and you will notice the white marble statue of St. Cecilia.

Within the vicinity of the church are many cafes that serve some of the finest cappuccinos, sandwiches, ice creams and drinks. It gives the opportunity for your well deserved break. Once you are ready, you can head out from the Piazza dei Mercanti and wander maybe three to four streets to end up at the Via del Porto which stretches south of the Tiber. Once located at the tip of the street, the largest port in Rome (Porto di Ripa Grande was demolished when the riverfront was redesigned.

To continue, return towards the north along the Via del Porto. Next, make a left onto the Via di San Michele. Once you reach no. 22, be on the lookout for a stucco covered peach-colored building which contains the:

FOURTH STOP:

SAN MICHELE A RIPA GRANDE

Once the home of the Borghese Gallery, now it has been since restored and reopened for public viewing.

When you are ready to continue your journey, turn north onto the Via Madonna dell’Orto. It is narrow and will intersect with the Via di San Michele. Afterwards, one block more at the corner of the Via Anicia, the next destination is the baroque:

FIFTH STOP:

SANTA MARIA DELL’ORTO

Full of tradition and history, this church is famous for the obelisks and the baroque gliding interior and is one of the most extravagant churches in this district.

The next step, walk southwest along the Via Anicia. After 2 blocks, the street merges into the Piazza di San Francesco d’Assisi. On your left, be on the lookout for the beautiful walls of the:

Since its conception the Ripa Hotel Rome has strived to stand apart from the status quo of Roman hotels. This boutique hotel has always chosen to make a cultural and artistic statement daring to use a modern minimalist style in a classical city. Breathtaking in its simplicity the hotel provides an atmosphere of functional luxury in the suggestive and picturesque Trastevere district.

Location:

In the historical Trastevere district, just minutes away from the Vatican, the banks of the river Tiber and all of Rome’s historical landmarks. – View Location Map.

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Epoque Hotels is a collection of over 350 avant-garde, trendy-chic and luxury-classic boutique hotels in over 100 destinations worldwide. Established in 2002 and headquartered in Miami, Florida the company also has sales offices in Italy, The United Kingdom, Spain and China. For reservations or more information visit Epoque Hotels or call (305) 538-9697 or (866) 376-7831.